James F. Houk

James Fitzgerald Houk, age 29, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on July 24, 2021 in Stockbridge Township.  He was born August 8, 1991 in Ann Arbor, MI the son of Daniel N. and Bernice A. (Pearson) Houk. 

Referred to as “ Boo,” James was easy going, hardworking, mellow, and he loved to have a good time. He loved his mom and his family. He enjoyed golfing and had a natural ability for it, and he also loved riding his motorcycle. James worked for the University of Michigan, and he also owned Wolf’s Exotic Car Detailing business. 

James is survived by his mother, Bernice Houk of Stockbridge, his brothers, David Houk and Thomas (Amanda) Houk; grandmother, Delores Houk, nephew, Daniel, and niece, Rainy; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Daniel N. Houk, and grandparents, Norm Houk, and Herbert and Alberta Pearson. 

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August  20, 2021 at 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Stockbridge High School Gym located at 416 N. Clinton Street in Stockbridge. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI. 

Patricia A. Lindlbauer

Patricia A. Lindlbauer, age 79, of Dansville, MI, passed away on August 11, 2021. She was born in Detroit, MI, on February 25, 1942, the daughter of John and Dorothy Lindlbauer.

Patricia had lived in the area for the past 30 plus years, moving from Detroit. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney. She enjoyed shopping, cooking, and spending time with her grandkids.

She is survived by one son, Jerry Lindlbauer of Leslie, and two sisters, Mary (Joe) Wolak of Pinckney, and Joanne (Frank) La Picclo of Detroit; and five grandchildren: Kristin, Jenny, Autumnn, Jerry, and Tamra. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald and Barney.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Pinckney on

Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 11:00 a.m., where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. She will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Pinckney.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Pinckney. https://stmarypinckney.org/

Stanley F. Radford, PhD

Stanley F. Radford, PhD, former chairman of the physics department at SUNY Brockport, died August 6th at the age of 68.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pamela, and his daughters, Diane Biggs, of Toronto; Laura, of Brooklyn NY, and Heather, of Fredonia NY, son-in-law, Andrew Biggs, grandchildren, Charlie, August, and Clara, mother, Robie, sister, Robie Wagester (Ray), and brothers, Larry (Kellye), Doug (Andrea), and Russ (Nancy), and dog, Sophie.

He is predeceased his father, Fritz L., beloved dog, Raven, and reluctantly-loved cat, Helen.

Dr. Radford’s career in theoretical physics spanned four decades across the private sector and academia. He was chairman of the physics departments at Marietta College and SUNY Brockport; prior to these assignments his research was used for fiber optic simulation, marine and terrestrial remote sensing system design, and forest fire monitoring. He loved the quark - particularly the charm quark- and was tickled by the fact that the term had been coined by James Joyce, an author he “almost” liked. He was an avid skier, baseball, and racquetball player. He ardently supported the Redwings and the Tigers. He loved poetry and literature, especially Keats, Nabokov and Sherlock Holmes. He loved the Great Lakes, particularly Whitefish Bay, Lake Superior. He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Pinckney, MI.

Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael Slane

Michael Slane, age 73, of Grass Lake, MI,  passed away on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at his home after an extended illness. Mike was born on August 16, 1947 in Jackson, Michigan to Albert and Alberta (Ball) Slane. On November 29, 1969, he married Beverly Bohenna at First United Methodist Church in Chelsea. 

Together they had two sons, Ken and Ryan, whom he loved deeply. Mike was devoted to family. He loved his sons immeasurably and was actively involved in their sports activities through the years, and supported them consistently in all aspects of their lives. His granddaughter held a very special place in his heart, and he adored her.

He and Bev were deeply devoted to each other, enjoying travelling, Mike’s classic car activities, and building two homes together. 

Mike served in the US Navy from 1964-1966, and then transferred to the Reserves from 1966- 1970. He was a manufacturing millwright and retired from NSK Corp in 2005, where he was actively involved with UAW Local 38, serving as a representative and committeeman. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Bev, and sons, Ken and Ryan, and granddaughter, Keira, all of Chelsea. Additional survivors include his brother, Chuck Slane of Munith, sisters, Rose (Sis) Goebel of Williamsville, MO, and Mary Gaken of Chelsea; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Betty and Alton Howard of Nashville, TN, and sisters-in-law, Margaret Ball and Sandy Ball Jenkins. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Karen Howard (Mark Groll), Betsy Ball (Tony Brown), Shawn (Bill) Mikkelson, Billy (Sarah) Ball, Robert (Juan) Gimmey, Michael (Kelly) Ball, and Michelle (Tom) Baisden, J.C.(Jessie) Goebel, Renee Luke, Matt (Nikki) Gaken, Lindsay Gaken, and Eileen Ball.

Mike was preceded in death by brothers, Robert and Richard Ball, brother-in-law, John Goebel, nephew, Robert Ball, Jr., and great-nephew, Matthew McCormick.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 11:00 a.m. at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea with Rev. Kathy Schell officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 from 6-8 p.m., as well as the day of service from 10-11 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Lisa (Barnett) Bramblett

Lisa Bramblett, of Howell, MI, age 54, passed away on August 1, 2021. She was born on July 16, 1967 in Lansing, MI, the daughter of Roger and Wanda (Davis) Barnett.

Lisa had lived in the Stockbridge area most of her life and graduated from Stockbridge High School in 1985. She had worked as a nursing aid for several years. She is survived by her brother, Steve (Debbie) Barnett of Stockbridge, and one nephew, Paul Barnett. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 13, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at the Family Tabernacle Church of God in Pinckney, MI with Pastor Jeff Howard officiating. The family will receive friends at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

She will be laid to rest with her parents at Fairview Cemetery in Dansville. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Jane (Gifford) Hager

Jane (Gifford) Hager, age 71, of Munith, MI, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. She was born in Batesville, AR, on November 24, 1949, the daughter of Luther and Beulah (Hix) Gifford. On August 14, 1971, she married Alan D. Hager, and her loving husband of almost 50 years survives.

Jane loved to dance and tend to her flower gardens. She made wonderful Southern-style meals, and she loved to read and quote the Bible. She was a gifted artist who enjoyed sewing.

In addition to Alan, survivors include their daughters, Kimberly Neuman, Amy (Jackie, Jr.) Schwerin, and Pamela Dawn (Randy) Lenski; grandchildren, Taylor Tilley, Codie Alan Hager, Anna Jane Schwerin, triplets Sophia Ann Lenski, Olivia Jane Lenski, and Natalee Diana Lenski; great-grandchildren, Arthur and Mo; older brother, Jimmy (Beth) McCoy, “baby” brother, Frank (Jan) Gifford, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, 1:00 p.m, at Munith United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from noon until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be given in memory of Jane to the Munith United Methodist Church, 102 7th St., Munith, MI 49259. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.

Silas K. Hopkins

Silas K. Hopkins, age 83, of Chelsea, MI, passed away at the Evangelical Home - Saline on August 2, 2021. He was born in Swampton, KY on May 7, 1938, son of Malcolm B. and Sola (Holiday) Hopkins.

Silas lived in Chelsea since 1941, and he retired from Ford Motor Company as a tool and die maker. He loved to bowl, play cards, and putz around.

He is survived by his children, Kim (Wesley) Treaster and Kenneth Hopkins, both of Grass Lake, MI, and Lynette Mepyans of Manchester, MI; his “brother,” Coyne Holiday of Dexter, MI; and grandchildren, Haleigh, Lindsey, and Maegen. He was preceded in death by Paul Hopkins and Karen Lentz.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021, 11:00 a.m., at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea, with the Rev. Bobby Toler officiating, and eulogy by Coyne Holiday. Burial is immediately following at Oak Grove Cemetery, Chelsea. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, August 5, 2021, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home, as well as Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Silas’ name to Faith in Action.

James E. Klinke

James Edward Klinke, born October 16, 1941, passed away quietly in his sleep at home on July 31, 2021.

Jim Klinke lived life on his own terms. He built four homes during his 79 years in pursuit of a life surrounded by wilderness and beauty. Jim nurtured a sense of adventure in his children, and encouraged them to choose the path less traveled. He was a scientist in his career and in the way he lived his life. Jim believed everyone had the ability to write their own book. He and his wife of 55 years, Mary, had many amazing chapters.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly, his brother, John, and his parents, Veronica and Edward. He is survived by his wife, Mary; three children, Nicholas, Christopher, and Amy; his grandchildren, Jay, Danny, and Charlotte; as well as two great-grandchildren, Aria and Atlas.

On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, his family held a private graveside service to celebrate his life. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Michael W. Fowler

Michael W. Fowler, 52, of Hamburg Township, MI, passed away unexpectedly on July 25, 2021.

Mike was born at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI, on June 2, 1969 to James V. Fowler (deceased) and Mary Lynn (Batey) Fowler.

He graduated from Chelsea High School in 1987 and attended Washtenaw Community College. Mike worked for the City of Ann Arbor for years, and then as a road construction inspector for OHM Advisors and Parsons-Brinkerhoff (WSP). He was a Jeep enthusiast who loved cars his whole life, and he was a natural mechanic for repairing and constructing motors and vehicles—especially Jeeps and the family collection. Mike loved reading, golf, and music—especially Metallica, and heavy metal, in general. Mike loved the lake/water, swimming, downhill skiing, having a good time with his friends and family, and goofing off. He had a great sense of humor, always had a smile on his face, and he loved to make others laugh. He was a loyal friend and jokester who will be greatly missed.

Mike is survived by his mother, Mary Lynn (Batey) Fowler; his daughter, Kristen Marie Horn; his granddaughters, Aubrie and Brooklyn; his sister, Mary Catherine “Kate” (Robert) Fletcher; his nephew, Curtis (Kayla) Fletcher, and niece, Amelia “Mia” Fletcher. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Jim, his brother, Joe, his grandparents, Leonard and Mary Frances (Stanley) Batey and Victor and Eleanor (Wilson) Fowler, as well as his beloved Jack Russell-Corgi Terrier, Ozzie.

Cremation has taken place. Mike will be laid to rest with his brother and father in a Graveside Service on Friday, September 3, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea, with Deacon Wayne Slomiany officiating. Expressions of sympathy in Mike’s memory may be made to Ele’s Place. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

John J. Bassett

John J. Bassett, 67, of Stockbridge, MI (formerly of Grass Lake, MI), passed away unexpectedly on July 27, 2021. John was born in Detroit, MI on November 6, 1953, son of Robert B. and Vera M. (Murphy) Bassett. On April 3, 1998, he married Michele C. Olson in Las Vegas, NV, and she preceded him in death on November 24, 2016.

John was a 1971 graduate of Chelsea High School and a mechanic with Chelsea Milling/Jiffy Mix for 27 years. He loved woodworking, gardening (especially tomatoes), and he could fix or build anything. He is survived by his stepchildren, Stacy (Jason) Forsberg of Bloomfield Hills, MI, and Jack (Marissa) Dempsey of Connecticut; grandchildren, Derek and Luke (sons of Stacy and Jason); siblings, Mike Bassett of Kansas, Theresa Bassett of Colorado, Karen Dempsey of Grand Rapids, MI, Tim Bassett of Portland, MI, Sue (Pete) Lestina of Downers Grove, IL, Margaret (Theresa) Bassett of Texas, and Tony Bassett of Jackson, MI; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A private graveside service was held. Expressions of sympathy in memory of John may be made to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital - Chelsea Cancer Center, 775 S. Main St., Chelsea, MI 48118. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.